Battlefords RCMP are investigating a series of break-ins at local businsses. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Boutique B&E

RCMP monitoring rash of business break-ins

May 13, 2021 | 9:00 AM

In addition to vehicle thefts, Battlefords RCMP are monitoring a string of business break-ins that they believe to be connected.

In the past two weeks, several beautique stores and a mix of other retailers have been victim to robberies where windows and doors are broken into. Staff Sgt. Jason Teniuk said they can’t confirm for certain that these are all linked, but there does appear to be a pattern, given the similarity of the spots stolen from.

“That to me would indicate that this is likely the same group of people,” he said. “And I don’t expect this to stop until we’ve determined who they are.”

This rash of B&E’s has been taking place at unusual hours, which allows for the public to play a role in preventing more crimes. Teniuk said any time motorists are heading to work, they should take a quick scan of stores they pass on the way.

“Five-seven in the morning, there tends to be a lot of people going to work at those hours,” he said. “Normally, you might be in tunnel vision, but maybe just have a look around and give us a hand in helping sort some of this stuff out.”

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“There’s a finite number of officers here, so we need to make sure we’re vigilant and keeping an eye out for our neighbours.”

One of the stores hit was Stil Boutique & Beauty. Owner Beverly Pesony said they were robbed at the end of April, then hit again the following week in May. There was damage to the windows and door, along with plenty of stolen merchandise.

Pesony said it was a shock, particularly following the second theft.

“When the first time happened, you’re like ‘that sucks, we’ll have to figure this out and move on,’” she said. “But before we’re even getting everything in place after the first one, they come in again, smash a window and stole more merchandise.”

“Certainly didn’t expect twice in a week, so it makes me feel a bit targeted.”

Pesony said it’s discouraging they and others are experiencing this, even with measures to protect the store already in place.

“We have security, alarms and all that, at the end of the day, sometimes that’s not enough,” she said.

As a result of the incidents, Stil Boutique will have a more varied protection against theft. Pesony said business owners should focus on securing windows and doors.

“We’ve taken some measures to make sure they can’t get through the windows again,” she said.

The Cut Knife Detachment area is currently experiencing an increase in the theft of motor vehicles in the Cut Knife Detachment area and Sweetgrass First Nation. Residents are reminded to keep their vehicles locked when unattended, do not leave the vehicle keys inside of the vehicle and do not leave valuables inside of your vehicle in plain sight.

More vehicle thefts

Battlefords RCMP and Cut Knife RCMP are also asking the public’s help in locating stolen vehicles in the region and preventing further incidents.

The Cut Knife Detachment area is currently experiencing an increase in the theft of motor vehicles, as well as in Sweetgrass First Nation. Residents are reminded to keep their vehicles locked when unattended, do not leave the vehicle keys inside of the vehicle and keep valuables out of sight.

Battlefords RCMP, who have dealt with an increase of vehicle thefts since early March, are searching for a blue 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, with a Saskatchewan license plate of 318-FGC. The truck, which has a slip tank in the back, was stolen in North Battleford.

Anyone with relevant information can call 310-RCMP for immediate response or Crime Stoppers.

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josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports